Vanni journalists protest Sivaram killing

[TamilNet, Tuesday, 10 May 2005, 12:32 GMT]A large number of journalists and several Vavuniya residents took part in a demonstration Tuesday organised by Vanni Journalists Association, condemning the abduction and murder of Tamil political columnist and military analysts,
Mr. Dharmeratnam Sivaram in Colombo on 29 April. Vanni District Parliamentarians Sivanathan Kishore, Sivasakthi Aananthan, Selvam Adikalanathan and Vino Nokarathalingam, also participated.

The protestors marched from St. Anthony’s Church at Irambaikulam through Bazar road to Vavuniya Kachcheri and handed over memorandum to Vavuniya Government Agent (GA) Sinnathamby Shanmugam, addressed to President
Chandrika Kumaratunge.

The protestors carrying photos of Mr. Sivaram and placards condemning the abduction and murder of the journalist.

Sri Lanka police personnel deployed in the area, participants said.

Members of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission (SLMM) were in Vavuniya town, during the protest, sources said.

Mr. Tharmenthira, deputy head of the LTTE political wing in Vavuniya District, and Ms. Alai, head of the LTTE political Wing’s Women section in Vavuniya District were present, they said.